How can I effectively support a loved one who is mentally ill?

Question:

How do I give support without being paternal or condescending.

Answers:
love them unconditionally.

Other Answers:
Find out as much as you can about their illness. You can attend support groups for family members/loved ones of those with mental illness. Check out your local hospital.

It really depends on the mental illness. I would have to say from experience that education and communication are the key. It will also depend on if you loved one has been properly diagnosed and is following a treatment plan that was prescribed by a physician. If not, it makes it difficult for you to do your part. Would love to chat or email with you more. Contact me if you wish. Good Luck! GMM trollunderthestairs is right. Definately find out whatever you can about their illness. Depending on what they have, there are ways you can help them at the least calm their illness.

Please please don't ever tell this person to just snap out of it or that things will be better tomorrow.
Is this person getting the help they need? If not, maybe you could gently coax their thinking into that area of life for themselves.
It isn't easy being the caregiver of anyone with any problem. I would also suggest informing yourself all you can about what their affliction is so that you have some kind of understanding of what he/she goes through on a daily basis.
I will list a forum below that has a section just for caregivers, you may find some answers there. Just go from the home page to the the community section, if you want to post though you will have to join.
Show the care and concern you feel and learning is the best way to effectively deal with it.Best of luck to you.

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How can I effectively support a loved one who is mentally ill?

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